Ways to Say You are Sorry in English

Ways to Say You are Sorry in English

Hi dear English learners! Here is another vocabulary lesson in which you can learn different ways to say you are sorry in English.

I’m (really, so) sorry

This is the most common phrase we use to apologize.

• I’m so sorry to keep you waiting but I had some things to do.
• I’m really sorry for calling you at this hour but I have a big problem…

I apologize

You can also say “accept my (sincere, deepest, humble) apologies”. It is more formal and polite than the previous phrase. When you apologise, it is polite to explain the reason why you did or didn’t do something.

• I apologize for my rude behaviour the other day. I was a bit upset…
• Please, accept my sincere apologies. I didn’t know you were coming so I didn’t book a table in a restaurant.
• Martin sends his deepest apologies for not coming to the meeting. His excuse/reason is…

Ways to say you are sorry in English

I regret

The phrase I really/sincerely regret is used to say that you are sorry for something you did or said.

• I really regret taking your valuable time. I’ll try to make it shorter next time.
• I sincerely regret to disappoint you again but I have a good reason.

Forgive me

Use this polite phrase before you say something which may sound offensive or rude. 

• Forgive me if I’m wrong, but I think you’ve got the wrong number.
• Forgive me for interrupting, but I think it’s important to say that I disagree.

My bad/mistake

Use the phrases to apologize when you make a mistake.

• Oh, I sent you the wrong book. Sorry, my bad. I’ll send you another one.
•  “I can’t believe you forgot our anniversary.” “Sorry, my mistake. I promise I’ll make it up to you.”

Ways to say you are sorry in English

I should have/I shouldn’t have

Use the phrases “I should have” and “I shouldn’t have” to apologise and admit that what you said or did was wrong.

• Will you forgive me for taking your car? I should have asked you.
• I’m sorry that I offended you this morning. I shouldn’t have told you that you are fat.

It won’t happen again

Use the phrase to apologize for the inconvenience and promise that things will be different in the future.

• Sorry about my dog barking at you. I promise it won’t happen again.
• I’m so sorry we overcharged you. There must be something wrong with the till. I’m sure it won’t happen again.

To take full responsibility 

Use the phrase to say that you regret something wrong you did and you want to make it up.

• We want to take full responsibility for not meeting the deadline. If there’s been any damage, we’ll make it up to you by all means.

Ways to say you are sorry in English

To atone

Use the verb to say that you are sorry for something you failed to do or you did wrong.

• How thoughtless of me to forget about the meeting. How can I atone for it?

To make amends

If you make amends, then you are apologizing for something unfair you have done to someone.

• How could I ever make amends for ruining your wedding anniversary?

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